Williamsburg mayor sets sights on State House

WILLIAMSBURG — Adam Grier, twice-elected mayor of Williamsburg, announced this weekend that he’s running for the District 91 seat in the Iowa State House of Representatives.

District 91 includes all of Iowa County, the western third of Johnson County, including Oxford and Tiffin, and the northern 1/4 of Johnson County, including Swisher and Shueyville.

Rep. Brad Sherman recently announced that he will not be seeking re-election for this position.

Grier’s initiatives include maintaining home rule which empowers municipalities, counties, and school boards to govern themselves as much as possible, he said in a press release.

"I don't think it's right for a representative in southwest Iowa to tell us what to do in Iowa County or Johnson County, and vice versa. Whenever possible, local leaders need to be empowered to govern and ultimately be held accountable by their local communities. Government closest to the people governs best,“ he said.

Grier also supports Gov. Reynolds' initiatives on tax reform, addressing workforce shortages and educational freedom.

Grier has governed in Iowa County since 2008, beginning as a city council member in Williamsburg. He is currently serving as mayor.

Grier also served on the Compass Memorial Hospital board of trustees from 2012-2018.

“Serving on the city council and board of trustees has provided me experience and proof that I make decisions that are in the best interest of the city or hospital long term, even when it may not be the most popular decision to some in the near future,” Grier said.

Grier, a Republican, served in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm until 1999. Grier strongly supports the right to free speech and free press, the right to peacefully assemble, and the right to keep and bear arms.

"When I was 17, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and there was no expiration on that,“ said Grier. ”I have had a calling to serve our country and communities my whole adult life."

Grier has worked road construction, driven heavy trucks, served in law enforcement as a police officer in Cedar Rapids and as a safety professional. Grier currently works for Johnson County in Human Resources as the county's risk management coordinator.

"I have positive working relationships with elected officials in both Iowa County and Johnson County,“ said Grier. ”These established relationships will serve me well as your State Representative."

Grier has a master’s degree in business administration from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids and is the father of two adult children.

The primary election is June 4, 2024.